Laser power

[Finiousfingers]

I almost hijacked someone elses thread asking this but I think I worded it wrong.

I am looking at https://www.banggood.com/search/eleksmaker-laser-la03.html and the different lasers on the page.
I currently have the 500mw and have issues with burning on hard dark woods like Cherry or Apple.
I slowed it down to 1-300 depending on how dark it is but that will take forever to do anything.

I would like to go with a hotter laser but dont know what is to hot. I mean sure max power and just dial it back as needed but realistically speaking.

1600 is $80
2300 is $80
2500 is $60
3500 is $100
5500 is $240
7000 is $250

I would think the 2500 for 60 bucks would be nice, but would love the 7000 because its the hottest.
Right now I am playing with burning images in woods, but would like to engrave metals some time.
Any advice on what to start with?
Their sale ends this weekend, so I would like to order something, or if someone here has one they want to sell I am game for that too.
or maybe someone has a loaner that I can buy and return for a fee.

just tossing stuff out there.
Do we have a used section that I am missing?
I would think that we should have some used parts or extras that we could share to help others out with something.

[nottingham82]

My 2500 burns even hardwoods and cuts plywood. Some people report problems cutting plywood with 2500 though. A 7watt doesn't have a focus adjustment so you need a scissor lift to adjust the item up and down from the laser but it can mark stainless steel. Just some thoughts.

[Finiousfingers]

When you say it can cut plywood, do you mean like 6mm plywood or can I use it for cutting out my outlets in my garage... hehe
I am leaning hard to the 2500 so that is one vote for that.

[nottingham82]

3 mm is what I cut

[ROSS]

Well the 7000mW is a non adjustable lens type for a start.

[Stonemull]

I noticed there is a '15W' now, adding quotes as that is a pulse rating.
Sticker says it is an 8W laser pulsed at 15W.


https://www.banggood.com/445-450nm-15W-Blue-Laser-Module-Mark-On-Metal-for-DIY-Laser-Engraver-Machine-p-1137779.html?rmmds=search

[ROSS]

15w has been debated on forum.  It is probably overrun and the hours of ops may well be reduced from what they say anyway.....
Suggest stick with the 5500mW as a max and that might well be slightly over run (and it depends what you want to do with a laser anyway..Not much good having a powerful job if all you want to do is a bit of engraving and cutting card or thin stuff!  

Ralph (Administrator)  has cut 3mm ply with a 2.5w  for example...........)  Others have done some very good work with lasers under 5 watt.

[treinbert]

Ralph (Administrator)  has cut 3mm ply with a 2.5w  for example...........)  Others have done some very good work with lasers under 5 watt.

Ralph uses a 1600 mW laser as his 2500 mW got too hot. Mine is staying very cool, but it takes long to burn through. The next step for me is a3500 mW TTL, but I am still thinking about a 6000 mW for my large laser.

[Zax]

The 2.3W is TTL, get that and use the 10% coupon they have currently for all EleksMaker products. It stacks on any other discounts but not points.

[Finiousfingers]

Well Zak, once again I am going to go with your opinion, hasnt done me wrong yet. hehe

Ordered the 2300 so I am in GA this week, but maybe it will be there when I get back

Thank you for the input guys, I do appreciate your opinions as well.

I think I will play with this 2300 for a while then decide if I want to do a z axis and a small dremel and try 3d engraves.

[Zax]

Oh no, the pressure...